Skip to main content

An Enigma: Barriers to the Identification of Students Who Are Gifted with a Learning Disability

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

This chapter discusses research that sought to understand the barriers to the identification of students who are gifted with a learning disability (GLD). These students are an enigma within schools and are under-represented in programmes for gifted students. A mixed method of research was used for this research, consisting of two phases that ran concurrently. In Phase 1, teachers from a Sydney Education area were surveyed. In addition, eight of the teachers were interviewed. For Phase 2, multiple case studies were undertaken. The participants were students who were identified as GLD, their families and the professionals they had consulted. The results showed that an identification protocol is needed, as well as teacher training and support from decision makers across all sectors of education. The teachers demonstrated some knowledge with regard to these students but also confusion and conflict with respect to their educational needs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised.

References

  • Assouline, S. G., Foley-Nicpon, M., & Whitman, C. (2010). Cognitive and psychosocial characteristics of gifted students with written language disability. Gifted Child Quarterly, 54, 102–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Assouline, S. G., & Whiteman, C. (2011). Twice-exceptionality: implications for school psychologist in the post-IDEA 2004 era. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 27, 380–302. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15377903.2011.616576.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton, J. M., & Starnes, W. T. (1989). Identifying distinguishing characteristics of gifted and talented learning disabled students. Roeper Review, 12(1), 23–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, S. (1988). An enrichment program for gifted learning disabled students. Gifted Child Quarterly, 32(1), 226–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, S., Cooper, C. R., & Neu, T. W. (2001). Dual differentiation: an approach for meeting the curricular needs of gifted students with learning disabilities. Psychology in the Schools, 38(5), 477–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, S., & Owen, S. V. (1988). High ability learning disabled students: how are they different? Gifted Child Quarterly, 32(3), 321–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, S., Owen, S. V., & Dixon, J. (1991). To be gifted and learning disabled: from identification to practical intervention strategies. Melbourne: Hawker Brownlow Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bees, C. (1998). The GOLD program: a program for gifted learning disabled adolescents. Roeper Review, 21(2), 155–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berninger, V. W., & Abbot, R. D. (2013). Differences between children with dyslexia who are and are not gifted in verbal reasoning. Gifted Child Quarterly, 57, 223–233. doi: https://doi.org/10:1177/--16986213500342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bisland, A. (2004). Using learning-strategies instruction with students who are gifted and learning disabled. Gifted Child Today, 27(3), 52–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boodoo, G. M., Bradley, C. L., Frontera, R. L., Pitts, J. R., & Wright, L. B. (1989). A survey of procedures used for identifying gifted learning disabled children. Gifted Child Quarterly, 33(3), 110–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brody, L. E., & Mills, C. J. (1997). Gifted children with learning disabilities: a review of the issues. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 30(3), 282–296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coutinho, M. J., & Oswald, P. (2005). State variation in gender disproportionality in special education: findings and recommendations. Remedial and Special Education Austin, 16(1), 7–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crim, C., Hawkins, J., Ruban, L., & Johnson, S. (2008). Curricular modifications for elementary students with learning disabilities in high-, average-, and low-IQ groups. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 22, 233–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). (1992). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.au/series/c2004a04426

  • Disability Standards for Education. (2005). Retrieved from https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/disability_standards_for_education_2005_plus_guidance_notes.pdf

  • Foley-Nicpon, M. (2013). Progress in the path of understanding. Gifted Child Quarterly, 57, 207–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foley-Nicpon, M., Allmon, A., Sieck, B., & Stinson, R. D. (2011). Empirical investigation of twice exceptionality: where have we been and where are we going? Gifted Child Quarterly, 55, 3–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gagné, F. (2008) Building gifts into talents: Overview of the DMGT. Keynote address, 10th Asia-Pacific Conference for Giftedness, Asia-Pacific Federation of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, Singapore, 14–17 July.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, W. F., & Riza, M. G. (2007). Creating a toolkit for identifying twice exceptional students. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 31(1), 57–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hishinuma, E. S., & Nishimura, S. T. (2000). Parent attitudes on the importance and success of integrated self-contained services for students who are gifted, learning disabled, and gifted/learning disabled. Roeper Review, 22(4), 241–250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hua, C. B. (2002). Career self-efficacy of the student who is gifted/learning disabled: a case study. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 25(4), 375–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2004). Educational research, quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Education Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karnes, F. A., Shaunessy, E., & Bisland, A. (2004). Gifted students with disabilities: are we finding them? Gifted Child Today, 27(4), 16–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kemper, E., Stringfield, S., Teddlie, C. (2003). Mixed methods sampling strategies in social science research. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social and behavioral research.Thousand Oaks: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leggett, D. G., Shea, I., & Wilson, J. A. (2010). Advocating for twice-exceptional students: an ethical obligation. Research in the Schools, 17(2), 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maker, C. J., & Udall, A. J. (1997). Giftedness and learning disabilities. Retrieved From http://www.ldonline.org/article/Gifted_and_Learning_Disabilities/6071. Accessed 13 May, 2009.

  • Mann, R. L. (2006). Effective strategies for gifted/learning-disabled students with spatial strengths. The Journal of Secondary Education, 17(2), 112–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCoach, D. B., Kehle, T. J., Bray, M. A., & Siegle, D. (2001). Best practices in the identification of gifted students with learning disabilities. Psychology in the Schools, 38(5), 403–411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis. 2nd ed. Newbury Park: Sage Publications Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minner, S. (1990). Teacher evaluations of case descriptions of LD/gifted children. Gifted Child Quarterly, 34(1), 37–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munro, J. (2002). Understanding and identifying gifted learning disabled students. Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, 7(2), 20–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nass, R. D. (1993). Sex differneces in learning disabilties and disabilities. Annals of Dyslexia, 43, 61–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, M. E. (2002). Gifted students with learning disabilities: recommendations for identification and programming. Exceptionality, 10, 93–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olenchak, F. R. (2009). Effects of talents unlimited counselling on gifted/learning disabled students. Gifted Education International, 25, 143–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olenchak, F. R., & Reis, S. M. (2002). Gifted students with learning disabilities. In M. Neihart, S. M. Reis, N. M. Robinson & S. M. Moon (Eds.), The social and emotional development of gifted children (pp. 177–191). Austin, TX: Prufrock Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pereles, D. A., Omdal, S., & Baldwin, L. (2009). Response to intervention and twice-exceptional learners: a promising fit. Gifted Child Today, 32, 40–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reis, S. M., McGuire, J. M., & Neu, T. W. (2000). Compensation strategies used by high ability students with learning disabilities who succeed in college. Gifted Child Quarterly, 44(2), 123–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reis, S. M., Neu, T. W., & McGuire, J. M. (1997). Talents in two places: case studies of high ability students with learning disabilities who have achieved. Exceptional Children, 63, 463–479.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reis, S. M., & Ruban, L. (2005). Service and programs for academically talented students with learning disabilities. Theory into Practice, 44, 148–159.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, K. B. (2002). Re-forming gifted education: how parents and teachers can match the program to the child. Scottsdale: Great Potential Press Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, K. B. (2011). Thinking smart about twice exceptional learners: steps to find them and strategies for catering to them appropriately. In C. Wormald & W. Vialle (Eds), Dual exceptionality (pp. 57–70). Wollongong: University of Wollongong Printery.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiff, M., Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L. (1981). Scatter analysis of WISC- R profiles for learning disabled children with superior intelligence. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 14, 400–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaywitz, S. E., Holahan, J. M., Freudenheim, D. A., Flethcer, J. M., Makuch, R. W., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2001). Heterogeneity within the gifted: higher IQ boys exhibit behaviors resembling boys with learning disabilities. Gifted Child Quarterly, 45(1), 16–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shevitz, B., Weinfeld, R., Jeweler, S., & Barnes-Robinson, L. (2003). Mentoring empowers gifted/learning disabled students to soar. Roeper Review, 26(1), 37–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tallent-Runnels, M. K., & Sigler, E. A. (1995). Gifted students with learning disabilities: the status of the selection of gifted students with learning disabilities for gifted programs. Roeper Review, 17(4), 246–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waldron, K. A., & Saphire, D. G. (1990). An analysis of WISC-R factors for gifted students with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 23(8), 491–498.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinfeld, R. B., Barnes-Robinson, L., Jeweler, S., & Shevitz, B. (2002). Academic programs for gifted and talented/learning disabled students. Roeper Review, 24(4), 226–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinfeld, R. B., Barnes-Robinson, L., Jeweler, S., & Shevitz, B. (2005). What we have learned: experiences in providing adaptations and accommodations for gifted and talented students with learning disabilities. Teaching Exceptional Children, 38(1), 48–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willard-Holt, C., Weber, J., Morrison, K. L., & Horgan, J. (2013). Twice-exceptional learners’ perspectives on effective learning strategies. Gifted Child Quarterly, 57, 247–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wormald, C., Rogers, K. B., & Vialle, W. (2015). A case study of gifted and learning disabilities: bridging the two exceptionalities. Roeper Review, 37(3), 124–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin, R. K. (2003). Case study research: design and methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catherine Wormald .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Wormald, C. (2017). An Enigma: Barriers to the Identification of Students Who Are Gifted with a Learning Disability. In: Ballam, N., Moltzen, R. (eds) Giftedness and Talent. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6701-3_15

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6701-3_15

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-6700-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-6701-3

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics